Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vs Ford Transit Custom
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Vans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter starts from $79,900 before on-road costs, while the Ford Transit Custom opens at $62,990. That makes the Ford Transit Custom the more affordable entry point by $16,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $87,890 and $69,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Ford Transit Custom by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit Custom hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 4 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 4 in the Ford Transit Custom.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Ford Transit Custom gets a 13-inch display and 12-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter gets vinyl upholstery while the Ford Transit Custom offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 2-zone in the Ford Transit Custom.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter uses a Diesel producing 110kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout.
The Ford Transit Custom responds with a Diesel making 125kW and 385Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Ford Transit Custom has the clear power advantage at 125kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter measures 5,932mm long on a 3,665mm wheelbase, 957mm longer than the Ford Transit Custom at 4,975mm (3,300mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 10500L in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and 6800L in the Ford Transit Custom, giving the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter a 3700L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter seats 3 vs 2.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.9m diameter
Good
Based on 10.9m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,508/year for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and $2,223/year for the Ford Transit Custom. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Ford Transit Custom.
Estimated annual total: $2,508 (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs $2,223 (Ford Transit Custom). The Ford Transit Custom saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Transit Custom). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Ford Transit Custom if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Ford Transit Custom takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Ford Transit Custom will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit Custom?
The Ford Transit Custom is the cheapest at $62,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter by $16,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Transit Custom uses the least fuel at 7.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Ford Transit Custom all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the largest boot at 10500L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Ford Transit Custom makes the most power at 125kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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